Grappa and Prosecco Bike Tour

Two of its highlights (and the main reasons that prompted us to design this tour) gave name to the itinerary: Grappa and Prosecco. As iconic as those are, most people would find it challenging to point them out on a map, but that is one of the many things you’ll find out by joining Grappa and Prosecco bike tour.

History comes alive for us every day, starting with our warmup in the town of Citadella with its beautifully-preserved village center and defensive walls that catapult us back to the Middle Ages. From there, the battles and the implications of WWI are palpable in Bassano del Grappa, Asolo and crossing the Piave River. Hemingway, during his days as an ambulance driver in the war, spent many days in Bassano and his time there served as an inspiration for his novel, A Farewell to Arms.

As we enter the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Superiore Prosecco winemaking area, we learn about the ancient origins of wine making, and how the reputation and qualities of the wine have evolved throughout the centuries. Then, there is the mighty influence of the Republic of Venice (697–1797). While the towns we visit might very well predate Roman times, the Venetians are the ones who left their mark, from architecture to cuisine to customs.

The riding is just as varied and dramatic as the history, from the challenging climb up the imposing Mount Grappa, to the hilly terrain of Prosecco with constant ups and downs that provide never-ending photo ops. A Tourissimo tour would not be complete without ample exploration of the traditional food, and the cuisine of Veneto offers the perfect base for crisp Prosecco and interesting reds.

Highlights

• Walkable walls of medieval Cittadella
• The hills of Prosecco, UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Coffee break in Piazza degli Scacchi in Marostica
• Stunning cycling along rolling roads surrounded by vineyards
• Grappa tasting at a famous grappa producer
• Walking tour in Bassano del Grappa and aperitivo by Ponte degli Alpini
• The village of Asolo
• Two wine tastings at Prosecco Superiore DOCG producers
• Picnic at mulino della Croda
• Monte Grappa WWI history and visit to memorial-museum